WEST Ilsley trainer Mick Channon believes Cheltenham Festival hero Mister Whitaker could develop into a Gold Cup contender for owner Tim Radford, whose company Timico sponsor chasing’s blue riband.

The six-year-old gelding only scraped into the 19-runner Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase at the bottom of the weights.

But he took his chance in no uncertain terms to score a thrilling last-gasp success, with Brian Hughes getting the 13-2 shot up in the final strides to pip Rather Be by a head and claim the £39,865 first prize.

Channon, who has enjoyed Classic glory on the Flat with Samitar in the 2012 Irish 1,000 Guineas and has had 18 Royal Ascot winners, was recording his first Festival success.

He said: “That was a real thrill and the way he did it was quite something.

“We learnt from his victory on trials day that he can idle in front, so we told Brian not to hit the front too soon – he certainly did that. A brilliant ride from a tremendous jockey.”

Asked whether he felt Mister Whitaker could be a Gold Cup horse one day, the trainer added: “I don’t see why not, as he’s only six.

“He has got a lot of class, this horse, and you haven’t seen the best of him.”

Channon was especially pleased for Radford, whose wife, Camilla, died three years ago.

The former Southampton and England footballer said: “We’ve only got four jumpers, so this makes it extra special and seeing Tim and the whole Radford team celebrate like they did meant everything to me.

“They lost a wife and a mother in Camilla, who loved her jumping, and she was in everyone’s thoughts today. It was quite emotional to be honest. It was a truly great day.”

Henrietta Knight, who trained Best Mate with her late husband Terry Biddlecombe to win three Gold Cups from her West Lockinge stables, near Wantage, purchased Mister Whitaker for Radford, and oversaw his pre-training and schooling.

“It’s so fantastic,” she said. “It’s the first horse I bought for Tim since Terry died and it’s such a thrill.

“I know the feeling, I know the atmosphere. It’s just magic. Brian was just perfect with him.

“It’s great for Mick to have a winner at the Cheltenham Festival. He is my next door neighbour and one of my closest friends, so I’m delighted for him.”